History Browser

Clause 14 in the NATO treaty is described as the “Canada clause”. This clause promoted an economic aspect to the alliance that was initially opposed as being too much at the time.

The Korean War and the foundation of NATO were boom times for Canada's armed forces, benefiting from new equipment, increased manpower, new systems and new roles to play in the North American and European theatres. However, resources committed to the forces became an 'accordion process', with budgets and recruiting increases and cuts dependent on the political currents of the day.

The value and legacy of Canada's role in the North American Air Defence Agreement (NORAD) continues to be debated.